This moist Nutella banana bread recipe makes one tender 9 x 5-inch loaf in about 15 minutes of preparation and 50–60 minutes of baking. Made with three very ripe bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, and a generous 1/2 cup of Nutella, it produces about 10–12 slices with a soft crumb and rich chocolate-hazelnut swirls.
Every slice combines the deep sweetness of ripe banana with buttery vanilla flavor and pockets of creamy chocolate-hazelnut spread. It is easy enough for a weekend breakfast, special enough for brunch, and wonderfully satisfying with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk.
Jump to RecipeWhy You’ll Love This Recipe
This loaf has the familiar comfort of classic banana bread with an extra layer of chocolate-hazelnut richness. The batter is mixed by hand, requires no mixer, and comes together in one main bowl plus a small bowl for the dry ingredients.
The texture is the real star: moist in the center, lightly golden around the edges, and soft enough to melt in your mouth. Brown sugar adds a gentle caramel note, while ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and a pronounced banana flavor.
Nutella is layered into the batter rather than stirred completely through it. That method creates distinct chocolate ribbons and rich pockets, so each slice looks beautiful and tastes balanced instead of becoming uniformly heavy.
If you enjoy fruit-forward quick breads, you can also try this banana bread with strawberries for another tender breakfast loaf.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list is short, but each item has an important job. Use the measurements below for one standard 9 x 5-inch loaf and approximately 10–12 slices.
- Very ripe bananas: Three medium bananas, mashed to about 1 1/4 cups, bring moisture, sweetness, and unmistakable banana flavor.
- Melted unsalted butter: One-half cup gives the crumb a rich, tender texture. Let it cool slightly before adding the eggs.
- Light brown sugar: Three-fourths cup provides sweetness and a soft caramel taste.
- Eggs and vanilla: Two large eggs help bind the batter, while one teaspoon of vanilla rounds out the flavor.
- All-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt: These create the structure and lift. Whisk them together before adding them to the wet mixture.
- Nutella: One-half cup, or 150 g, supplies the chocolate-hazelnut swirl. Other chocolate-hazelnut spreads can be used in the same amount.
For the best result, choose bananas with heavy brown or black speckles. Bananas that are only yellow may not provide enough sweetness, moisture, or strong banana flavor for this loaf.
For another comforting loaf with warm spice, keep this Amish-style cinnamon bread idea on your baking list.
How to Make It Step-by-Step
Step 1: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C), then grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan thoroughly. Line the pan with parchment if desired, leaving a little overhang to make lifting the baked loaf easier.
Step 2: Melt the unsalted butter and allow it to cool slightly so it is warm rather than hot. Whisk it with the packed light brown sugar until the mixture looks glossy and evenly combined.
Step 3: Beat in the two eggs and vanilla extract until incorporated, then stir in the mashed bananas. A few tiny banana pieces are fine, but mash the fruit well enough that it distributes throughout the batter.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and fine salt. Add this dry mixture to the banana mixture and fold just until no dry flour remains; overmixing can make the finished bread dense or tough.
Step 5: Spoon approximately half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth it gently. Warm the Nutella for about 10–15 seconds in the microwave if needed, then add several spoonfuls over the batter.
Step 6: Add the remaining batter over the first Nutella layer, then spoon the rest of the chocolate-hazelnut spread on top. Use a knife to make a few gentle swirls, taking care not to drag it deeply through the entire loaf.
Step 7: Bake for 50–60 minutes, watching the loaf closely toward the end of the baking time. Test the banana-bread portion with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, while a toothpick inserted directly into Nutella may remain chocolate-coated.
Step 8: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool further before slicing so the crumb can set and the Nutella ribbons remain distinct.
Pro Tips for a Moist Loaf
The most important tip is to avoid overbaking. Banana bread continues to firm slightly as it cools, so remove it when the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the banana portion shows a few moist crumbs rather than completely dry crumbs.
Oven temperatures can vary, so begin checking the loaf toward the early part of the 50–60 minute range. If the top turns dark before the center is ready, loosely place foil over it during the final 15–20 minutes.
Do not overmix after adding the flour. Folding only until the dry ingredients disappear keeps the crumb delicate and prevents excess gluten from developing.
For especially tidy swirls, soften the Nutella for 10–15 seconds in the microwave. Spoon it in small portions instead of trying to spread a thick layer, then make only a few shallow knife movements.
Fans of homemade loaves can compare this recipe with a simple Italian bread machine recipe when they want a savory baking project.
Storage, Slicing, and Reheating
Cool the loaf completely before storing it. Wrap it tightly or place it in an airtight container and keep it at room temperature for up to several days, away from direct heat and sunlight.
For longer storage, slice the cooled bread and wrap individual pieces before freezing. Thaw slices at room temperature, or warm them gently until soft and fragrant.
A short burst of gentle heat brings back the tender texture, but avoid overheating because the Nutella can become very hot. Slice with a sharp serrated knife using a light sawing motion for clean portions.
This bread is also a lovely addition to a brunch spread alongside spiced baked goods such as this classic Amish cinnamon loaf.
Ways to Serve Nutella Banana Bread
Serve slices slightly warm or at room temperature. The bread is delicious on its own, but a little butter, extra Nutella, or a spoonful of lightly sweetened whipped cream makes it feel especially indulgent.
- Pair it with coffee for an easy breakfast.
- Serve it with fresh berries for brunch.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
- Toast a slice lightly and finish it with banana slices.
- Pack individual slices for a school or workday treat.
The chocolate-hazelnut flavor also pairs well with fruit-based quick breads. For a seasonal variation, see this easy peach bread recipe next.
Moist Nutella Banana Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment if desired.
- Whisk the melted, slightly cooled butter and brown sugar together. Beat in the eggs and vanilla, then mix in the mashed bananas.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt. Fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture just until no dry flour remains.
- Spread approximately half of the batter into the prepared pan. Add several spoonfuls of Nutella, then cover with the remaining batter and the rest of the spread.
- Gently swirl the Nutella with a knife, avoiding deep or excessive swirling. Bake for 50–60 minutes, checking for a toothpick inserted into the banana-bread portion to come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the loaf in the pan for about 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a rack. Let it cool further before slicing.
Notes
Final Thoughts
This moist Nutella banana bread is a dependable way to turn very ripe bananas into something special. It delivers a soft, buttery crumb, rich banana flavor, and beautiful chocolate-hazelnut swirls without complicated equipment or difficult techniques.
Remember the three keys to success: use heavily speckled bananas, fold the flour in gently, and check the loaf before the full 60 minutes have passed. Letting the bread cool before slicing is equally important because it helps the center finish setting while keeping the loaf tender.
Once cooled, cut generous slices and enjoy them for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert. The loaf is simple enough to make often, yet the Nutella ribbon makes every batch feel like a special bakery treat.
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